Students celebrate Ram Navami despite ban in Jadavpur University campus

A group of students at Jadavpur University celebrated Ram Navami inside the campus on Sunday, marking the first instance of such an event being held there. This took place despite a formal denial of permission by the university authorities. The celebration included the installation of a green-coloured idol of Lord Ram, placement of saffron flags, and religious rituals conducted at a spot near a wall bearing the slogan “Azad Kashmir.”

On March 28, a letter was submitted to the university authorities by a section of students, requesting permission to observe Ram Navami under the banner of "general students." Following internal discussions, officials issued a written response, but it reportedly lacked signatures. A day later, on March 29, a signed letter was sent to the applicants, denying permission. The reasons cited included the absence of a Vice-Chancellor and the lack of appropriate administrative authority to approve the event, along with other unspecified factors.

Despite the denial, the students proceeded with the event. They placed the Indian national flag over the “Azad Kashmir” wall graffiti and carried out puja rituals at that location. One of the participants, Sauran Basu, stated, “We are students of this university. This is not outside the country. So why shouldn’t we be allowed to perform puja here?” Another student, Somsurya Bandyopadhyay, said, “Despite several obstacles, we succeeded. If Iftar can happen in an educational institute, then everyone should have equal rights and opportunities.”

No reports of disruption or clashes were recorded during the event. The celebration and the method of protest have sparked discussions over religious expression and administrative permissions within the university. This is the first time Ram Navami has been publicly celebrated inside the Jadavpur University campus by students.